Injuries, burns, insect bites, ear piercings through the cartilage, ear surgery, or a boil on the ear may cause perichondritis. The infection also tends to occur in people who have inflammatory disorders, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Granulomatosis with polyangiitis often begins with inflammation of small- and medium-sized blood vessels and tissues in the nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, or kidneys. The cause is unknown. The... read more 
, whose immune system Overview of the Immune System The immune system is designed to defend the body against foreign or dangerous invaders. Such invaders include Microorganisms (commonly called germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) Parasites... read more is weakened, or who have diabetes Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to be abnormally high. Urination and thirst are... read more .
The first symptoms are redness, pain, and swelling of the auricle. The person may have a fever. Pus accumulates between the cartilage and the layer of connective tissue around it (perichondrium). Sometimes the pus cuts off the blood supply to the cartilage, destroying it and leading eventually to a deformed ear (called cauliflower ear). Perichondritis can be destructive, recur, and last a long time.
Treatment of Perichondritis
Antibiotics and corticosteroids
Removal of foreign objects, especially ear piercings through the cartilage part of the auricle
Warm compresses and incision and drainage of abscesses
Pain relievers
Doctors treat perichondritis with antibiotics (such as a fluoroquinolone, for example, ciprofloxacin) and often a corticosteroid by mouth. The choice of antibiotic depends on how severe the infection is and which bacteria are causing it.
Doctors remove any foreign objects, such as an earring or a splinter.
If people have an abscess (collection of pus), doctors make an incision to drain the pus, allowing blood to reach the cartilage again, and leave a small drain in place for 24 to 72 hours. Antibiotics are given by mouth. Warm compresses may also help. Doctors may stitch (suture) the perichondrium to the cartilage to ensure that it heals correctly to avoid a deformity of the auricle.
Pain relievers are also given.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
ciprofloxacin |
CILOXAN, CIPRO |
